+- MacResource (https://forums.macresource.com)
+-- Forum: My Category (https://forums.macresource.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=1)
+--- Forum: Tips and Deals (https://forums.macresource.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=3)
+--- Thread: Anyone here sew? (/showthread.php?tid=118910)
Anyone here sew? - decocritter - 06-20-2011
Thinking about making curtains. Good basic starter machine needed...any ideas?
Re: Anyone here sew? - cbelt3 - 06-20-2011
Oog.. curtains are a PITA.. despite watching 'The Sound of Music'.. where curtains (drapes, actually) are made into clothing in the course of one brief evening. Most curtains are sheer material, and sewing that stuff is a biotch and a half... holding tension, fine needle, avoiding bunching. Ick.
FWIW, the fancy schmancy umpty-hundred computerized stitch machines are not necessary. All you really need is a good zig-zag and a straight stitch. (admittedly, I like the extra stitches like overlock, embroidery, etc..)
I started with a cheap Japanese (now Chinese) machine, but of course I now have my late mother-in-law's "Pfaff" machine, which is the Mercedes of sewing machines. I did plenty of work with the cheapo, it was a good start. But an awesome machine is a joy to use... jamming is a thing of the past, clean stitches, good handling.
But start slow. Play with some machines at the store. Buy a simple relatively inexpensive machine after using it. Do NOT give in and get the cool one... you will never use all the gizmos.
Ed: FWIW, I'm NOT very good. I can hem, repair, etc. Making stuff from scratch ? I stink at it. I think I've made a few capes and ropes for school plays, and some blankets and things like that. Don't imagine I know what the heck I'm talking about.. this is just what has worked for me.
PPS... Sewing machines are very manly tools !!! (thumps on chest). Machinery ! Gears ! Sharp things ! Grabbing things ! Intricate parts ! Possibility of blood !
Rrraaarrr ! manly !
Re: Anyone here sew? - kap - 06-20-2011
I have seen shower curtains used as window curtains in some apt units.
Re: Anyone here sew? - Black - 06-20-2011
A past threads that may (or may not) be useful:
http://forums.macresource.com/read.php?1,849989,850003#msg-850003
I ended up buying this one:
http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Brother-LX-3125-Sewing-Machine-Refurbished/3753885/product.html
I feel it was a good choice . . . however I got halfway through the setup process, put it aside, and here it sits. Been meaning to give it another try now that I bought some reading glasses . . .
Re: Anyone here sew? - davec - 06-20-2011
I did manage to sew a couple of Halloween costumes (for myself) using a pattern. My sewing machine is a 45+ year old Singer, which I inherited from my mother-in-law. With my limited experience I would never attempt curtains. Yes, sewing is manly. My grandfather ran a men's clothing store for a number of years (1950's -1970) and had the role of both store owner and tailor. I could never hope to have his skill with needle and thread....
Good Luck!
Dave
Re: Anyone here sew? - decocritter - 06-20-2011
Yes sewing is manly.
Re: Anyone here sew? - Racer X - 06-20-2011
I learned to use mom's sewing machine at age 10-11 to hem my own pants. Now it's MY Bernina. That thing had a 25 year warranty. Just before it was up, mom had it serviced, and gave it to me.
Re: Anyone here sew? - Thrift Store Scott - 06-20-2011
decocritter wrote:I learned to sew on my grandmother's 188? Singer foot-powered sewing machine. You might laugh, but there's a lot to be said for having precise control of the machine's speed when you're still learning, and unless you're planning on mass-producing items the old foot-treadle machines can go plenty fast for most work. On the other hand, replacement bobbins, needles, and leather (yes, leather) drive belts for these machines might not be as easy to come by now as they were in the 1970s.
Thinking about making curtains. Good basic starter machine needed...any ideas?
Re: Anyone here sew? - tenders - 06-20-2011
I have an early-1990's vintage White machine with metal gears. It was $125 new.
Sewing is great...I mostly make canvas covers for boat equipment which is hardly precise work but the occasional pillowcase from trendy Wal-Mart fabric has been fun.
Simple curtains out of solid fabric would be easy. The sheerer the material though the more crazy you'll be driven.
Re: Anyone here sew? - space-time - 06-20-2011
my grandparents have those 1900s SINGER machines, they were very popular in Romania when I grew up. I was about 4 when I put my finger under the needle and pushed the pedal myself to see if the needle would go through the fingernail. of course it did. I shut up and didn't say a thing until Mom saw some bleeding and started questioning me.